While the coverage might make one believe that the NBA suffered a sharper ratings drop than any other league, the numbers tell a different story. The 2020 NBA Playoffs averaged 3.04 million viewers across ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV (83 telecasts), down 37% from last year, when the postseason took place as scheduled in April, May and June (4.83M). The 37 percent decline is in line with the broader trend facing the sports industry since the wave of cancellations and postponements in March. The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs declined an almost identical 38% across NBC’s TV and digital platforms (from 1.53M to 953K) and the MLB Division Series sank 40% on TBS, FS1 and MLB Network (from 3.04M to 1.82M).
While the coverage might make one believe that the NBA …
July 5, 2022 | 10:40 pm EDT Update
Chet Holmgren shines in Summer League debut
ESPN Stats & Info: Chet Holmgren showed out in his Summer League debut, dropping 23 PTS on 78% from the field. He is the first player with 5 blocks and 4 3-pointers in any Summer League game all-time.
Oklahoma City mayor David Holt was watching Holmgren in action and he’s ready to clear his schedule to watch the Gonzaga alum at the NBA level.
Grizzlies signing second-round pick Kennedy Chandler to four-year contract
Shams Charania: Memphis Grizzlies No. 38 pick Kennedy Chandler has agreed to a four-year, $7.1 million rookie deal, his agent Ryan Davis tells @TheAthletic @Stadium. The contract contains the largest guaranteed salary – $4.94M – for an American second-round pick.
Josh Robbins: Rui Hachimura attended and watched the Washington Wizards’ summer league practice tonight at UNLV.
Josh Robbins: Second-year wing Corey Kispert, who is not slated to play in the Wizards’ summer league games, practiced with the Wizards’ summer league team tonight at UNLV to get in some extra work.
In other auctions in the past six weeks, a 2009 Playoff National Treasures Curry RPA (rookie patch autograph) numbered to 99 sold for $720,000; a Curry jersey worn in Game 1 of the 2016 NBA Finals sold for $343,200; and a 1-of-1 2009 Panini Absolute Memorabilia Signature Materials autographed Logoman Curry rookie card sold for $492,000.
July 5, 2022 | 7:38 pm EDT Update
Keegan Murray leads Kings to 3-0 record in California Classic
Matt George: The Sacramento Kings go 3-0 in the California Classic, led by 19.6 points, 8 rebounds and 51% shooting from 4th overall pick Keegan Murray.
